Anthony F. Magaraci II
Shortly after the Mycenaean victory at Troy, circa 1250 BC., a series of civil wars broke out between the several Mycenaean palaces. After one-hundred years of infighting the Dorians entered the area and defeated the weakened Mycenaeans. The Aegean then entered a dark age when a great cultural decline was experienced by all inhabitants of the region. This lasted until 800 B.C.. During this period, individual groups of herding and farming communities calling themselves Hellenes (Greeks) began rebuilding their own societies in individual communities. It is from these communities that the various Greek polis arose, each with its own cultural identity.18
Sparta was like no other city-state in Greece. The social system was made up of three classes which were hierarchical and specialized. Only the citizens (Homoioi) of Sparta were considered equal and possessed political rights. Those people belonging to this class were born into it. Citizens received an education provided by the state and were permitted to live on rented land. They were not permitted to undertake farming or commercial activity. Their sole purpose in life was to serve in the military.19
The freemen, or perioikoi, were farmers and animal herders who often practiced a trade. Although they enjoyed freedom, they had no rights, and therefore, no influence upon political decisions. The third and lowest class consisted of the Helots. Members of this group were servants of the aristocrats who owned the land and held powerful political influence. They were forced to pay rent and cultivate the land for Spartan citizens. Periodically, the Helots were forced into military service for the state, but they did not enjoy the rights and privileges of the other two classes. Therefore, they did not receive protection from the law.20
Sparta had its own constitution and was governed by two kings, ephors, a council, and an assembly. The kings held complete control over the military. The ephors were magistrates who made sure that respect for the law was upheld, supervised the education of children, and ruled in civil cases. The council, or senate, was comprised of twenty-eight members of the aristocracy who were elected for life. The council held responsibility for making foreign policy, judging high court decisions, and assisting the assembly in making important decisions. The assembly was made up of all the citizens. Their job was to vote or ratify decisions made by the council.21
Sparta was never the economic equal of the other polis. But it did prosper in the areas of agriculture and stock raising. They exported ceramic works to China in return for ivory. These vessels were deep and decorated with birds. The people of Sparta loved poetry, music, and dance. Architecturally, Sparta contained religious temples complete with bronze reliefs.22
In the middle of the sixth century B.C., Sparta suddenly decided to alienate itself from the outside world. Cultural advancement in the form of architecture and pottery making declined rapidly. The leaders of Sparta feared that outside influences would weaken their strength, the ruggedness necessary for survival. From this time forward, the leaders of Sparta decided to devote their lives to developing military strength.23
Athens also had a constitution and an assembly. However, in comparison to Sparta, the entire population was encouraged to participate in all aspects of government. All men had the right to vote by the age of eighteen. Property qualifications were not mandatory. Voters selected an assembly or senate which passed laws favoring the majority of citizens. Athens was the first true democratic polis. As a result of this democratic system, citizens of Athens became culturally and economically wealthy.24
It is estimated that three quarters of Athenians owned land. There was great economic interest in the land, and in trade and manufacturing. Although both a rich and poor class existed in and around the city, the overall wealth of the population surpassed that of other polis. There were an estimated sixty to eighty thousand slaves owned by the Athenians collectively. It was not unusual for a citizen of even marginal wealth to own one or two slaves.25
Unlike Sparta, all citizens or men aged eighteen were eligible for military service. This was not a hierarchical society, although it was usually the rich and middle class who were called to fight. There were approximately twelve thousand paid members in the navy. Vessels were maintained and commanded privately by the rich class of citizens.26
Athens was the cultural hotbed of Greek civilization. It was known for its writers, artists, scientists, and philosophers. Athens became famous throughout the Aegean for its fine painted vases testament to the highly sought after culture of Athens.27
